anomaly- Something that is unusual or unexpected
The student’s poor performance on the latest test was an anomaly since she had previously earned excellent grades.
equivocal- Not easily understood or explained
Politicians have been known to provide equivocal answers to reporters’ questions.
lucid- Very clear and easy to understand
The lecture was lucid and straightforward, allowing the students to fully grasp the concepts presented.
precipitate- To cause (something) to happen quickly or suddenly
Unforeseen costs can precipitate a budget crisis.
assuage- To make (an unpleasant feeling) less intense
A massage can assuage the soreness in your muscles.
erudite- Having or showing great knowledge
High school students often struggle with novels that are more erudite than they are entertaining.
opaque- Not able to be seen through; not easily understood
Medical jargon includes many opaque terms like macrosomia, which describes a newborn who weighs more than 4,000 grams.
prodigal- Wastefully extravagant
The prodigal prince bought lavish gifts and planned expensive events.
enigma- A person or thing that is mysterious, puzzling, or difficult to understand
Scientists continue to research cancer to solve the enigma of its primary cause, which will hopefully lead to a cure.
fervid- Intensely enthusiastic or passionate
The child showed a fervid fascination for superheroes, poring over comic books for hours
placate- To make (someone) less angry or hostile
A parent may decide to placate a baby with a pacifier.
zeal- A strong feeling of interest and enthusiasm
The great emperor’s crusading zeal led him to conquer many lands.
abstain- To restrain oneself from doing or enjoying something
Doctors encourage their patients to abstain from smoking cigarettes.
audacious- A willingness to take bold risks; showing a lack of respect
The new CEO pursued audacious initiatives to save the company from bankruptcy. / The student’s audacious remark earned her a seat in afternoon detention.
desiccate- To remove the moisture from (something)
The heat and energy from the sun can desiccate even the most hearty plants.
gullible- Easily persuaded to believe something
The gullible little boy gave his older sister all of his allowance because she told him she would buy a pony for him.
laudable- Deserving praise and commendation
Providing affordable healthcare for all citizens is a laudable goal.
pedant- A person who makes an excessive display of learning
Professor Blackwell, a well-known pedant, required his pre-med students to speak in Latin throughout the entire semester.
vacillate- To waver between different opinions or actions
Undergraduate students often vacillate among various majors before deciding which degree to pursue.
adulterate- To make (something) impure or weaker by adding something of inferior quality
Many chefs use fresh produce and refuse to adulterate their dishes with canned ingredients.
capricious- Given to sudden changes of mood or behavior
The capricious supervisor would hand out raises one day and fire his entire staff the next.
engender- To produce, cause, or give rise to (something)
Political debates can engender controversy regarding the subjects discussed.
homogenous- Of the same or similar kind
There are very few truly homogenous cultures since social diversity is increasingly widespread.
loquacious- Tending to talk a great deal
The loquacious professor was known for his five-hour lectures.
pragmatic- Dealing with problems in a reasonable and logical way
A pragmatic approach to legislation can be difficult given the complexities of politics.
